CPU Comparison
Core i7-5557U vs Intel Core i5-5257U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-5557U is a higher-performance variant of the Broadwell-U mobile processor family, launched in 2015 to power premium thin-and-light laptops and mini PCs. Manufactured on a 14nm process, it features two cores and four threads, operating at a higher base clock of 3.1 GHz and boosting up to 3.4 GHz. This represents a significant frequency uplift compared to other U-series chips, sacrificing some efficiency for raw speed. The processor integrates Intel Iris Graphics 6100, equipped with 48 execution units, offering strong integrated graphics performance for its size. It includes 4 MB of L3 cache and operates within a 28-watt thermal design power, which is higher than the standard 15-watt U-series parts. Though end-of-life, the i7-5557U was highly regarded for providing desktop-like responsiveness and capable graphics in compact form factors, bridging the gap between ultra-low power and performance mobile computing indeed very truly.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks provide snappy performance for everyday tasks.
Higher base clock and 28W TDP deliver better sustained performance than 15W variants, but dual-core design still limits multi-threaded workloads.
Gaming
Iris 6100 allows for decent 720p/1080p low gaming in older titles.
Iris 6100 was the best integrated GPU in the Broadwell-U lineup, handling older games at 720p-1080p low settings reasonably well for 2015.
Virtualization
Dual-core limits VMs, but clock speed helps.
Slightly better than 15W variants but still fundamentally limited by dual-core design.
Efficiency
28W TDP is less efficient than 15W U-series chips.
The 28W TDP reduces efficiency compared to 15W variants, requiring active cooling and reducing battery life in thin laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Dual-core limits inference
- No AI acceleration hardware
- GPU compute insufficient for modern AI workloads
- Not applicable for this processor generation
Content Creation
Gaming
- Better than standard integrated graphics
- Can play older 3D games
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
- Iris 6100 with 48 EUs was the best Broadwell-U GPU option
- Titles like Dota 2, CS:GO, and League of Legends run at 1080p medium at 30-60 FPS
- eDRAM cache significantly helps GPU performance
- Modern games remain unplayable even at lowest settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High base clock of 3.1 GHz
- Iris 6100 graphics are capable
- Good for mini PCs
- Configurable TDP
Cons
- 28W TDP is hot for a dual-core
- Only 2 cores
- DDR3 memory only
- Poor battery life in laptops
- Soldered to motherboard
Pros
- Best integrated GPU in Broadwell-U i5 lineup with Iris 6100
- 128MB eDRAM benefits both CPU and GPU workloads
- 2.7 GHz base clock is strong for a 2015 dual-core
- Good for Retina display driving and 4K output
- Configurable TDP for OEM flexibility
Cons
- 28W TDP limits use to larger ultrabook designs
- Only 2 physical cores with dual-core limitation
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
- Active cooling required in all implementations
- End-of-life with no security updates
- Not Windows 11 compatible
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-5557U
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5550URival
Mobile Thin & Light
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5287URival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i7-6567UAlt
Skylake successor with better efficiency and Iris graphics.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GEAlt
Modern 4-core mini PC alternative with Vega graphics.
- Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Coffee Lake NUC alternative with Iris Plus and 4 cores.
- Alt
Massive efficiency and performance leap for mini PCs.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern 6-core alternative with better graphics.
Intel Core i5-5257U
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-5557URival
Mobile Premium Ultrabook
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5250URival
Mobile Ultrabook
- AMD A12-8700PRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i5-6267UAlt
Skylake successor with Iris 550 and DDR4 support in the same 28W envelope.
- Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Four cores with Iris Plus 655 for much better multi-threaded and GPU performance.
- Alt
If buying a used MacBook, the M1 MacBook Air offers dramatically better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 4600UAlt
Six cores with Vega graphics in a 15W envelope, far outperforming this chip in every metric.
Iris Xe graphics and four cores on 10nm for a modern thin-and-light experience.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A unique 28W Broadwell-U chip that offered high clocks and Iris graphics, making it a favorite for compact mini PCs and premium laptops.
Best for: Buying a used Intel NUC for a home theater PC or light retro gaming.
Read the full reviewThe Iris 6100 graphics made this the most capable dual-core Broadwell-U for GPU workloads, but the 28W TDP limited it to larger ultrabook designs and it remains outdated by modern standards.
Best for: Buying a used MacBook Pro 13-inch 2015 for under $150 for basic use with a Retina display
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-5557U or Intel Core i5-5257U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-5557U comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-5557U or Intel Core i5-5257U?
For gaming, the Core i7-5557U leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Core i7-5557U and Intel Core i5-5257U.
Do Core i7-5557U and Intel Core i5-5257U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1168 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-5257U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-5257U (2,950). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.